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Eastside CARSTAR Auto Rebuild
Autobody and Collision Repair Specialist for Bellevue and the Eastside

   

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A Crash Course In Collision Repair

Our Subject Vehicle is a 1995 Saturn SL1. As is evident in the photos the car has been hit hard in the rear end.

 

The floor pan, both frame rails and the inner wheel house structures are substantially damaged and will need to be replaced.

After the outer plastic body panels of this Saturn are removed the damage to the space frame is readily visible. An accurate estimate is prepared and reviewed with the insurance company.

Before any of the structural components are removed from the space frame the Saturn is set up on the Car-O-liner Bench alignment & measuring system. The Space frame is pulled back to factory specifications in order to align the panels adjacent to those being replaced. This will insure structural integrity as well as proper body panel fit.

The components of the space frame to be replaced are then removed. Note the rear glass, fuel tank, exhaust system and rear suspension are all removed. There are over 300 individual spot-welds holding the panels together. Many of these need to be drilled out for panel removal. Of course each and every weld is replaced per Saturn procedures.

The Car-O-Liner Bench system is used to insure proper alignment of the new structural components. After they are carefully placed to the exact factory specifications, they are welded into place using a combination of our MIG welder and our pressure resistance spot welder. All weld seams are treated to a seam sealer to prevent corrosion and water leaks.

After the space frame’s structure is restored, it is treated with a corrosion resistant epoxy primer and painted. Special care is taken to match the gloss of the inner panels to the factory appearance. The car is now ready for reassembly. The outer panels are painted using our Glasurit paint system. On Saturns, this is often done prior to their installation.

The outer panels are installed. The new paint is wet-sanded and buffed to match the factory texture and gloss. Of course in this type of repair, a four wheel alignment is a necessity. The car is then test driven. A light check is done. The interior is thoroughly vacuumed and the leather or vinyl is treated with a dressing. The glass is cleaned and polished. The engine is degreased and pressure washed. The exterior is cleaned prior to the final quality control inspection. The car is now ready for return to our customer.

Crash Course Complete

 

Accidents Happen......      Choices are Made......      Make the RIGHT CHOICE

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